Microporous structure and method of making the same

Abstract

Abstract This disclosure relates to a novel process and to a novel product produced thereby. The product comprises a vinyl chloride polymer having an improved microporous structure and is made by a process which involves dispersing a vinyl chloride polymer latex, i.e., an aqueous suspension of a vinyl chloride polymer, in an organic liquid which is a non-solvent for the polymer, preferably removing most of the water, and heating the resulting dispersion to sinter the vinyl chloride polymer particles to form a microreticulated microporous structure. The vinyl chloride polymer latex may, for example, be a colloidal suspension of polyvinyl chloride particles in water. Such a latex may be obtained commercially or may be prepared by conventional methods. The non-solvent organic liquids should be water-miscible and should have a boiling point above 130* C. and exhibit substantially no solvating or swelling effect on the vinyl chloride polymer. The improved microporous structure of this invention is particularly useful as a filter material. The process of the invention is especially suited for the formation of shaped porous articles which are useful as filters.

Inventors

• 👤 Norman B Rainer
• 👤 Peter A Wilson

Bibliographic Details